Xiaomi as a modem: 3 ways to distribute the Internet from phone to PC, laptop or tablet

Turning Xiaomi into a full-fledged modem is a challenge that users face when they don’t have fixed internet or when they’re traveling. —Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T etc.) support the distribution of mobile traffic through USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but each method has nuances, USB-The modem provides the most stable speed, but requires drivers, and the Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient for several devices, but drains the battery faster.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for all methods, including solving common errors (for example, when the PC does not see the network or the message “No Internet access”). Also, we will discuss how to circumvent carrier restrictions on traffic distribution and what APN settings may be required to work correctly. If you use Xiaomi based on MIUI 14 or later, note the changes in the menu – some items have moved to the section “Sim cards and mobile networks”.

1.Phone Preparation: What to Check Before Setup a Modem

Before you turn on the Internet, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for this task. First, check the mobile account balance - many operators block the traffic distribution at a negative balance or tariff without the option "Modem / Tetring". MIUI (below 12.5) there may be no drivers for USB-modem.

Pay special attention to the APN settings (access points). If you manually changed settings for MMS or other services, reset them to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Access Points (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset to default values.
3. Reboot the phone.

Also check if the "Saving Traffic" mode is activated in the settings. SIM-It can limit the speed of the distribution. If you use two cards, it can limit the speed of the distribution. SIM-maps, select the one on which the mobile Internet is enabled as the main one for the modem.

⚠️ Note: At some operator rates (e.g., "Unlimited" from Tele2 or "My Online" from MTS), the traffic distribution may be charged separately or blocked.

• 🔋 Battery charge: When handed out over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the phone discharges 2-3 times faster. Connect the charger if you plan to use it for a long time.
• 📶 Signal Level: If the network indicator shows 1-2 divisions, the Internet speed will be low. Try to move closer to the window or use an external antenna (for models with support). 4G+).
• 🔒 Security: By default, Xiaomi Hotspot uses a password from 8 To protect against the connection of foreign devices, set a complex password (for example, Xiaomi_2026!Modem).

2. Method 1: Distributing the Internet via USB (the most stable method)

Connecting Xiaomi to a PC or laptop via cable provides maximum speed (up to 1 Gbps on USB 3.0 models) and minimal battery consumption, ideal for gamers, streamers or large files, but requires:

1. The original Xiaomi cable (or certified USB-C/USB-A with data support).
2. Mi PC Suite or ADB (for Windows)
3. Permission to debug via USB (includes in the developer settings).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC with a cable. From Xiaomi's notification menu, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Go to Settings. → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
3. Activate the switch. A new device must appear on the PC in the Network Connections (e.g., Remote NDIS or Xiaomi Composite Device).
4. If the Internet does not work, update drivers through Device Manager (section "Network adapters").

Connect the original cable

Enable the File Transfer Mode (MTP)

Activate USB-modem

Check drivers on PC

Reboot your phone if you make mistakes-->

On MacOS or Linux, additional drivers are not usually required, but you may need to manually configure the network. For example, in Ubuntu, run on the terminal:

sudo ifconfig usb0 up


sudo dhclient usb0

⚠️ Attention: If after connection USB-The PC modem gives you an "Unidentified Device" error, try another cable or port. Cheap cables often only support charging, but not data transfer.

On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) USB-The modem may not work smoothly while charging at the same time, in which case turn off fast charging in the battery settings.

Method 2: Wi-Fi Distribution (for multiple devices)

Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient when you need to connect to the Internet several gadgets: a laptop, a tablet or even another smartphone. Xiaomi allows you to configure the network name (SSID), password and even limit the number of connected devices.

• Fast battery discharge (up to 1% in 5-10 minutes of active use).
• Speed limit on some operator tariffs.
• Possible interference from other networks at 2.4 GHz.

How to turn on the hotspot:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Click on “Setting up Wi-Fi hotspot” and ask: Network name (SSID): for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_2026. Type of security: Select WPA2-PSK (Password: at least the most reliable. 8 symbols, with numbers and letters: 5 GHz (if supported by your PC) for less interference.

Wi-Fi hotspot.

On a PC, find a new network in the Wi-Fi list and connect by entering a password.

If after connecting to the PC there is an error "Without Internet access", check:

• 📵 On the phone in the hotspot menu is there a message "Connected 0 devices" (meaning, the PC could not log in).
• 🔄 Restart your router (if you have one) – sometimes conflict IP-address.
• 🛠️ On PC, execute commands in Command Prompt (on behalf of the administrator): ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew

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If the Wi-Fi hotspot speed is too low, try changing the channel in the hotspot settings. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are usually the least loaded.

Method 3: Distribution via Bluetooth (economical but slow)

Bluetooth modem is suitable for situations where you need to save battery power or distribute the Internet to a device without Wi-Fi (for example, an old laptop or smart watch), the speed will be low – up to 3-5 Mbps, which is enough for instant messengers or mail, but not for high-resolution video.

Instructions for setting:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
2. Connect devices: on Xiaomi go to Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth and select your PC from the list.
3. On the PC, confirm pairing (may need to enter a code).
4. Return to the Access Point and Modem menu on your phone and activate the Bluetooth Modem.
5. On PC, in Network Options, select Bluetooth connection (under Cellular Communication).

If the connection is not established:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both devices.
• 📱 On Xiaomi, remove the pairing with the PC and repeat the process again.
• 🖥️ On Windows, update Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Bluetooth modem may work unstable due to hardware limitations of MediaTek Helio chipset G25. In this case, use USB or wifi.

5 Problem Solving: Why the Modem Does Not Work on Xiaomi

Even with the right settings, the Internet distribution may not work, and let's look at common errors and how to fix them:

Problem 1: On the PC, you get "Limited" or "No Internet access".

• 🔧 Check if the mobile internet is on on the phone (indicator) 4G/5G status-line).
• 📡 Switch to the other one. SIM-Card (if there are two) – a problem in settings APN.
• 🔄 Turn off and turn on modem modem again.

Problem 2: USB-The modem is not defined on PC.

• 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB.
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.
• 📱 Turn on "Debugging by" USB" in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to "Additional settings").

Problem 3: Wi-Fi hotspots are turned on, but devices are not connected.

• 🔐 Make sure the password is entered correctly (the registry is important!).
• 📵 Check if the phone is on the mode "In the plane" or "Saving charge".
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

6. Speed optimization and traffic saving

To make the distribution of the Internet work faster and not “eat up” gigabytes of traffic, follow these tips:

How to increase speed:

• 📶 Switch to the network. 5G (If supported by your Xiaomi and the operator).
• 🔌 For USB-modem use port USB 3.0 (blue) on PC.
• 📡 For Wi-Fi, select 5GHz channel and standard 802.11ac (hotspot).

How to reduce traffic consumption:

• 📵 Turn off automatic application updates on connected devices.
• 🎮 Limit the download of large files (e.g. on Steam or Epic Games).
• 📊 Enable the traffic counter in the Xiaomi settings: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data traffic → Set a limit.

If you use a modem frequently, consider buying an external one. 4G/5G-Modem (e.g. Xiaomi MiFi) It consumes less power than a smartphone and supports connectivity to the device. 10 device.

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For maximum stability, use it. USB-Modem with original cable and fast charging disabled. Wi-Fi is suitable for multiple devices, but requires battery control.

7. Comparison of distribution methods: which to choose

The choice of method depends on your tasks:

• 🎮 For play or work: USB-Modem (maximum speed and stability).
• 📱 For tablet and laptop: Wi-Fi hotspot (connection convenience).
• 🔋 For battery savings: Bluetooth (but with speed limit).

FAQ: Frequent questions about modem modem on Xiaomi